Biofertilizer Production Research Articles

Biofertilizer Production for Agronomic Application and Evaluation of Its Symbiotic Effectiveness in Soybeans

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bradyrhizobium japonicum SAY3-7, Bradyrhizobium elkanii BLY3-8, and Streptomyces griseoflavus P4 on the symbiotic effectiveness of soybeans before biofertilizer production, to produce biofertilizer containing the studied three strains (SAY3-7, BLY3-8, and P4), to test the effectiveness of the biofertilizer on soybean varieties, and to assess the varietal effects and interaction effects between variety and biofertilizer on plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, nutrient absorption, and seed yield. Nitrogen fixation was measured using the acetylene reduction assay and ureide methods. Contents of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were also measured to calculate their uptakes. In this study, synergistic effects of nitrogen fixation were induced by combined inoculation with SAY3-7, BLY3-8 and P4 in all tested soybean varieties. Therefore, we assumed that an effective biofertilizer could be produced using these effective bacteria (SAY3-7, BLY3-8, and P4). After making biofertilizer using these effective bacteria, packages were stored at 30 °C. The populations of the bacteria in the biofertilizer were maintained at a density of 1 × 108 colony forming units (cfu) g−1 for P4 and 7 × 109 cells g−1 for Bradyrhizobium. Diluting biofertilizer by 10−3 proved more effective for nodulation and nitrogen fixation than other dilution treatments. Moreover, this biofertilizer significantly promoted plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, nutrient uptakes, and seed yield in Yezin-3 and Yezin-6 soybean varieties. Yezin-6 is a more efficient variety than Yezin-3 for improved plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, nutrient absorption, and seed yield. Taken together, the application of an effective biofertilizer and the use of an efficient soybean variety can play important roles in promoting plant growth, nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and higher seed yield.

Production of biofuel from sugarcane molasses by diazotrophic Bacillus and recycle of spent bacterial biomass as biofertilizer inoculants for oil crops

Abstract This study was designed to identify the most potent N2-fixing and biofuel producing Bacillus species. Four isolates were selected as the most efficient N2-fixing organisms which confirmed by nifH gene expression. These isolates were identified genetically by 16S rRNA as Bacillus thuringensis, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus licheniformis. The highest biohydrogen production was 2450 and 2300 ml/L from 6% sugarcane molasses by B. thuringensis and B. subtilis respectively. Nitrogenase activity of B. thuringensis and B. subtilis were 1.4 and 1.3 μmol C2H4 min−1 mg protein −1 at 6% molasses. Ethanol production was 1.55 and 1.03 g/L, while butyric acid was 10.39 and 5.9 g/L at 6% molasses by B. thuringensis and B. subtilis at 6% molasses, respectively. Acetic acid formation was 1.1 and 0.55, lactic acid was 0.07 and 0.05, while butyric acid was 10.39 and 5.9 g/L at 6% molasses by B. thuringensis and B. subtilis, respectively. Spent bacterial biomass of the two Bacillus species were reused as a biofertilizer for enhancing the growth of sunflower and corn plants. Inoculation of sunflower and corn seeds with B thuringensis and B subtilis significantly increased dry weight, total protein, total carbohydrates and pigment contents over control plants. This enhancement could be attributed to the efficiency of biological N2-fixation due to nitrogenase activity of the tested Bacillus species. These results suggest that the possibility of interlinking biofuel technology with biofertilizer production by reusing N2-fixing spent bacterial biomass of Bacillus could be increase the economic feasibility of the bioenergy production from molasses.

The Contribution of Endomycorrhiza to the Performance of Potato Virus Y-Infected Solanaceous Plants: Disease Alleviation or Exacerbation?

Solanaceae, comprising meaningful crops (as potato, tomato, pepper, eggplant, and tobacco), can benefit from a symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which improve plant fitness and support plant defense against pathogens. Currently, those crops are likely the most impacted by Potato virus Y (PVY). Unfortunately, the effects of AM symbiosis on the severity of disease induced by PVY in solanaceous crops remain uncertain, partly because the interplay between AMF and PVY is poorly characterized. To shed some light on this issue, available studies on interactions in tripartite association between the host plant, its fungal colonizer, and viral pathogen were analyzed and discussed. Although the best-documented PVY transmission pathway is aphid-dependent, PVY infections are also observed in the absence of insect vector. We hypothesize the existence of an additional pathway for virus transmission involving AMF, in which the common mycorrhizal network (CMN) may act as a potential bridge. Therefore, we reviewed (1) the significance of AM colonization for the course of disease, (2) the potential of AMF networks to act as vectors for PVY, and (3) the consequences for crop breeding and production of AM biofertilizers.

Paenibacillus polymyxa bioactive compounds for agricultural and biotechnological applications

Paenibacillus polymyxa is categorized as an endospore-forming bacterium and Gram-positive bacteria, which have innate beneficial properties in modern biotechnology application. P. polymyxa extensively reviewed as plant growth promoting bacteria which directly gave benefit to the plants by improving nitrogen fixation from atmosphere, increase phosphorus solubilization and iron acquisition in soil and phytohormone production. This could reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, which is now a source of environmental conflict and appear to be harmful to human. Therefore, application of P. polymyxa focusing only as functional microbial species in production of biofertilizers. P. polymyxa have been gaining momentum over the last couple of years. The recent discovery in microbial industrial of this bacterium is the production of bioactive compounds like exopolysaccharides (EPS). EPS is not only established as biofilm for the colonization of microbes and act as a sink for the nutrients on plant roots in the rhizosphere. Hence, EPS from P. polymyxa is also useful for health care industries such as disease diagnosis and drug manufacturing. Synthesis of hydrolytic enzymes reported as bioconversion of agricultural wastes that helps to tackle serious environmental problems by creating wealth from waste which can also acts as productive biocontrol agents against pathogens. Hence, P. polymyxa having a wide range of antibacterial metabolites and antifungal compounds, inform of volatile organic compouds, peptides and hydrolytic enzymes, This compounds and biomaterials could be commercially marketed as reliable plant biocontrol agents and pharmaceutical application. Nowadays, researcher extensively reviewed and focused their attention on the potential benefits of P. polymyxa with multiple biological functions that cannot be ignored for human health and wellness.

Production of Biogas and Biofertilizer by the Co-digestion of Effluent From Cellulose Industry With Addition of Glycerin

The present study aimed to assess the anaerobic digestion of sewage from cellulose industry mixed with doses of glycerin, in order to produce biofertilizer and biogas, for agriculture and energy purposes. Five anaerobic reactors were developed, which were fed with effluent and doses of glycerin (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% v v-1) and evaluated during the hydraulic retention time of 42 days. The physical and chemical parameters were evaluated every seven days: temperature; pH; turbidity; series of solids; total phosphorus (Ptotal); Kjeldahl nitrogen (Ntotal) and COD; as well as the levels of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cd, Pb and Cr; biogas production was evaluated daily. The anaerobic treatment produced biofertilizer with excellent nutritional conditions, with adequate levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe and Zn. The addition of glycerin increased biogas production, with 15% and 5% of glycerin, respectively producing 0.54 and 0.40 mL L-1 d-1. The treatments of 15% and 5% of v v-1 glycerin also exhibited greater removal of COD. However, the low levels of N have caused problems in the anaerobic process. Anaerobic digestion of the cellulose industry effluent with 5 and 15% of glycerin (v v-1) provided increase in biogas production of 0.54 and 0.40 mL L-1 d-1, respectively. K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe and Mn at the final biodigestion remained with excellent levels for use in crops as biofertilizer.

Biogas and biofertilizer production of marine macroalgae: An effective anaerobic digestion of Ulva sp.

Abstract Nowadays the increasing prices of petroleum-based fuels have persistently focused on the development of alternative energy sources, whereas the solid residue can be used as an organic fertilizer which can be one of the solutions from depending on conventional synthetic fertilizer. The research work mainly focused on biomethanation and development of biofertilizer from the seaweed Ulva sp. The Ulva sp. mixed with organic matter (cow dung) has been used in different concentrations for biogas production and the methane was theoretically computed that 1.528 kg/m3 volatile solids (VS). The ratio 3:1 proportion obtained was 574 ± 26 ml-g VS biogas production than the control and 1:1, 2:1 ratio. The cumulative biogas was quantitatively analyzed by gas chromatography for the proportion of methane (CH4) and ranged from 72% in Ulva sp.: cow dung 3:1. The solid residue was used as an organic fertilizer for the growth of Vigna radiata. The results revealed that the physicochemical parameters, pigments and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) analysis were increased in the 3:1 ratio when compared to the others. The Ulva sp. was used in eco-friendly and zero waste management process. From the seaweed Ulva sp. to reduce the sustainable and clean environment; to improve the agricultural crop production and also enhances the soil fertility.

The socio-economic impacts of introducing circular economy into Mediterranean rice production

Abstract: A novel bio-fertilizer technology that utilizing paddy rice residues (bran and husk) through composting was assessed in the context of life cycle assessment application to circular bio-economy. The bio-fertilizer can recycle the nutrients in residues to replace synthetic fertilizer within the rice production system. To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of this circular rice production system, a hybrid life cycle assessment model was developed to estimate social-economic impact. The model combined the multi-regional input-output database (Exiobase), with engineering process data of conventional and circular rice production systems from the Agrocycle project. The gross value added and employment in each system were compared at functional unit and sectoral level. The results indicated the efficiency of fertilizer application has a significant effect on social-economic impacts. The circular system has the potential to increase the gross value added and employment in conventional rice production, but the circular rice system could not improve both economic and social impacts at the same time. The results indicated the circular system did not necessarily achieve more positive social-economic impacts than the convention linear system. Considering the circularity and efficient use of resources, the bio-fertilizer technology should not be dismissed. To derive better social-economic performance from the circular rice supply chain, further developments are required, such as technology development to reduce unit production cost and infrastructure development to support bio-fertilizer production.

Exploration of indigenous free nitrogen-fixing bacteria from rhizosphere of Vigna radiata for agricultural land treatment

Nitrogen is the most abundant element in the atmosphere , however, most often deficient in agricultural lands. This research was an exploratory to get indigenous non-symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria . Soil samples were collected from rhizosphere of green beans. This study was aimed to determine the bacterial population of the three regions; screening , isolation and selection of free n itrogen -fixing bacteria . A ntagonism and pathogenicity tests were performed to observe its potential for a biofertilizer product . The highest number of free nitrogen-fixing bacteria was found from forest soil sample of 2.5x 10 11 CFU/ml. Screening and isolation process has obtained 10 free nitrogen-fixing isolates . Then was selected into 4 isolates namely SNF4, SNF5, SNF7 and SNF8 according to the ammonia production test qualitatively. When an antagonism activity performed, there was no inhibition zone each other . T he pathogenicity test did not show the pathogenic symptom. This study also showed that bacterial isolates obtained significantly affected the germination growth of green beans compared to controls. Possibility, bacteria of this type produced growth hormone for a plant. Strain SNF8 has shown the highest ammonium production then was selected for 16S rRNA identification . Similarity test of genome sequence of strain SNF8 had 99% similarity with Bacillus cereus.

Perception about effectiveness of Sawaj brand bio-fertilizers under field conditions perceived by its end users in Surendranagar district of Gujarat

A bio-fertilizer is a substance that contains living microorganisms which when applied to seeds, plant surfaces or soil, colonize the rhizosphere or the interior of the plant and promote growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the host plant. Bio-fertilizers are known to play a number of vital roles in soil fertility, crop productivity and production in agriculture as they are eco-friendly and cannot at any cost replace chemical fertilizers that are indispensable for getting maximum crop yields. Junagadh Agricultural University (JAU) has been engaged in production of bio-fertilizers in the brand name of Sawaj bio-fertilizers (Azotobacter, Rhizobium and PSM each in the packing of 500 ml bottles) and making it available to the farming community since 2005–06. It was worth knowing the perception about the use of Sawaj bio-fertilizers among its end users, the farmers. The present study was carried out in Surendranagar district of Gujarat. It was found that majority of the respondents (61%) belonged to middle age group and were educated up to primary level (37%), had medium size of landholding (53%), most of them had social participation and had been actively participating in extension programmes. Majority of the respondents (41%) had their annual income ranging from Rs 1, 00, 000 to 1, 50, 000. They preferred to adopt the innovation after seeing its successful adoption by others. Majority of respondents had partially adopted the Sawaj brand bio-fertilizers and had positive perception about them. Most of them opined that application of these was environment-friendly and their use was safer and cheaper than chemical fertilizers. Majority of respondents (54%) said that they would continue the use of these bio-fertilizers.

Isolation, Identification and Screening for Nitrogen Fixing Activities by <i>Azotobacter chroococcum</i> Isolated from Soil of Keffi, Nigeria as Agent for Bio-fertilizer Production

Free living nitrogen fixing bacteria are those that lives freely on rhizosphere of a young growing plant or those living in a close association with root of plants (Rhizobacteria) but not symbiotically. In most tropical soil, Nitrogen and other essential nutrients element are the most limiting nutrients which deficiencies could lead to slow growth and reduced crop production. Free living nitrogen fixing bacteria has the potential of secreting nitrogenase enzymes and produces organic acids such as glycolic, acetic, malic, succunic acids which fix atmospheric nitrogen directly into the soil for plants growth and development. To this end, the study on isolation, identification and screening of Azotobacter chroococcum from soil of Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was carried out from May to September 2018. Soil samples were collected from eight different locations and Azotobacter strains were isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods. The 16SrRNA gene sequence analysis of the strain showed maximum similarity of 96% with Azotobacter chroococcum of the reference type strain deposited in RDP Gen Bank database. Azotobacter strains isolated from four different locations showed coloured zone ranging between 16-10mm. Similarly, Percentage amount of nitrogen released by each Azotobacter strain in the culture broth ranging between 1.19% - 5.11% in an increasing order.

Production of biogas and biofertilizer using anaerobic reactors with swine manure and glycerin doses

This research aims to evaluate the development of biodigestion of swine manure with addition of glycerin doses, in order to promote a cleaner destination for both of these wastes in agroindustry, adopting different concentrations for a better relation of biogas production and biostabilized fertilizer. For this, five anaerobic biodigestors were developed, each reactor was fed with swine manure considering four treatments (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% vv−1 of glycerin). The physical-chemical parameters (temperature, pH, turbidity, solids series, total phosphorus, total nitrogen (Kjeldahl), and COD were evaluated every seven days, moreover the biogas production was monitored daily by a gasometer. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cd, Pb and Cr during hydraulic retention time (HRT) were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). Anaerobic co-digestion of swine and glycerin wastes didn't provided higher biogas production than the biodigestion without the addition of glycerin. The biogas production rates were impaired by the addition of glycerin doses higher than 5%, and the results demonstrate that the nutrient concentrations in the biostabilized waste are expressive for vegetal biofertilization, mainly for N, P, K, Ca, Mg and micronutrients such as Cu and Zn.

ISOLATION AND SELECTION OF FUNGI FROM MATTER AND ORGANIC FERTILIZER PRODUCT JEMBARA BALI’s ORIGIN THAT HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO DISSOLVE THE PHOSPHATE AS BIO-FERTILIZER AGENT

The research about “The isolation and selection of fungi from matter and organic fertilizer product Jembara Bali’s origin that have the capability to dissolve the phosphate as Bio-fertilizer agent” have been done on February to June 2010, in The Indonesian Science an Research Institution (LIPI) Bogor. This research aimed to isolate the phosphate solvent fungi from the organic fertilizer product, to identify the kinds of fungi as the Bio-Fertilizer agent, to trial the phosphate dissolve in Laboratorial standard, and then to produce the biofertilizer product. The isolation results of the compos experiment (T1.1 and T1.3) and from the factory compos experiment (T2.1 and T2,2) are identified as Aspergillus sp. The sample of compost experiment (T1.2) is identified as Penicillium sp. Whereas, from the sample of an irrigated land (T3.1) is identified as Mycelliasterillia sp. The result of the test in laboratorial scale is resulted the best capability in dissolve the phosphate is Aspergillussp by T2.2 code. This is viewed by the halo zone diameter shaped is bigger than the others fungi’s kind, it is around 4,2 cm. The enzyme PME-aseacitivities have been tested in each fungi’s species such as : T2.2 (Aspergillus sp), T1.2 (Penicilliumsp), and T3.1 (Mycelliasterillia). The Aspergillus spfungi have the enzyme PME-ase activity is biggest, it is around 1,51 unite/gram. In short, the Aspergillus sp is used as the Bio-fertilizer agent.

Microalgae based biofertilizers: A biorefinery approach to phycoremediate wastewater and harvest biodiesel and manure

The most important requirement of the agrarian advancement is resilient nutrient source for agriculture without jeopardizing the environmental assets and economy of the country. An algal biorefinery approach is the prime requirement for the sustainable production of biodiesel and biofertilizers after remediation of wastewater. In the present study, the microalgae Chlorella minutissima, Scendesmus spp and Nostoc muscorum and their consortium were used for the biorefinery approach. C. minutissima has shown maximum phycoremediation potential when compared to other possible microalga and their consortium. Experimental results showed that removal of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, PO4−3-P, TDS, BOD5 and COD were found to be 92, 87, 85, 96, 90 and 81% respectively. The maximum dry biomass was observed in C. minutissima followed by Scendesmus spp, and N. muscorum, i.e., 0.45 ± 0.01 g L−1, 0.44 ± 0.02 g L−1, 0.14 ± 0.03 g L−1 respectively. The nutrient fraction of nitrogen and phosphorus were maximum in C. minutissima, i.e., 5.46 ± 0.27 and 0.85 ± 0.03 respectively. The lipid productivity recorded maximum in Scendesmus (81.23 ± 4.5 mg L−1) followed by N. muscorum (14.29 ± 8.7 mg L−1) and C. minutissima (11.33 ± 5.6 mg L−1). Using this biomass as manure one can save the chemical fertilizer of worth about 5584 $ (US Dollar) ha−1 yr−1. The present study not only supports the sustainable phytoremediation, biodiesel production, and organic manure utilization directly but indirectly to combat climate change scenario through minimizing greenhouse gases production.

Pengaruh Promosi Terhadap Penjualan Produk Pupuk Organik Hemal Bio Di Pt. Hemal Agrinusa Jakarta

The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the effect of promotion on the sale of Hemal Bio Organic Fertilizer Products. The method used is a quantitative method. The results showed an increase in sales, meaning that the promotions carried out by the company had an influence on product sales. It is evident from the results of the regression results that the Promotion variable has a value of 0.711. This is confirmed by testing with a tcount value of 5.462 and a ttable (95%:30-2) of 2,048, with a significance level or Pvalue = 0.000 meaning it is smaller than the significance level = 0.05. From these results, the test criteria are tcount > ttable and Pvalue < meaning H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. In conclusion, promotion has a positive and significant effect on sales of Hemal Bio Fertilizer Products by PT. Hemal Agronusa, Jakarta.

A business incubating unit to sustain technology transfer: Vyas’s Dilemma

Learning outcomes: The paper aims to understand the process of transfer of agricultural technology, which comprises incubation of the technology business, valuation, evaluation, licensing and commercialization, to examine various dimensions of the process of technology transfer and the effectiveness of transfer object use criteria, to explore ways of sustaining incubation and commercialization through an autonomous unit responsible for technology transfer, to peruse the role of agribusiness incubators in creating an effective agri-entrepreneurship eco-system and to study the factors that promote or inhibit the sustainability of business incubators in an academic or research institution setting. Case overview/synopsis: An innovative technology for production of liquid bio-fertilizers was developed and nurtured to market levels by Anand Agricultural University (AAU), a State Agricultural University in Gujarat. The technology for production of liquid bio-fertilizers, developed during 2009-2010 to 2013-2014 was licensed to some of the state public and private sector undertakings under the World Bank-financed National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) implemented through Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). For commercializing the technologies from the University, a Business Planning and Development (BPD) Unit was set up at AAU along the lines of a technology transfer office, under the aegis of NAIP during later part of 2009. The NAIP funding from World Bank for BPD Units ceased in June 2014 with closure of the project. With funding no more available, Rajababu V. Vyas, a research scientist at the Microbiology and Bio-fertilizer Department of the University and Head of the BPD Unit, had serious concerns about the BPD unit’s sustainability, as well as sustaining the process of technology transfer from the University. Complexity academic level: Anand Agricultural University (AAU), a state-run university in Gujarat, developed and incubated a technology to produce liquid biofertilizer, licensed the technology and marketed its product through a few state-run and private fertilizer firms. The technology was developed between 2009/2010 and 2013/2014 as part of the National Agricultural Innovation Project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research with funds from the World Bank. A unit to incubate agri-businesses, referred to as Business Planning and Development Unit (BPDU), was set up in late 2009 to expedite the process of technology transfer from AAU to agribusiness firms. Rajababu V. Vyas, a research scientist at the Microbiology and Bio-fertilizer Department of the university, was concerned about the unit’s sustainability, because funding from the World Bank had ceased from June 2014, and wondered how to sustain the transfer of technology from the laboratory to the field in the light of the data available to him. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code Entrepreneurship

Use of algae from an oasis in Saudi Arabia in production of biofuel and bio-fertilizer

AlAhsa oasis in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest oases in the world. Algae, from this region have been under-explored in the past decades. A study was conducted with Chlorococcum strain to produce biofuel alongside the seaweed Hormophysa cuneiformis. Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry of fatty acid composition showed that the biodiesel obtained had limited number of unsaturated fatty acids as compared to the number of saturated fatty acids present, which indicates the stability of the produced biodiesel. Thereby the use of algal biomass for the production of biofuel is feasible. Moreover, the biomass may serve other different biotechnological applications. To further test this hypothesis, the aqueous extract of two different algae; one derived from the blue green alga (cyanobacterium) Phormidium sp. and the other from brown alga Hormophysa cuneiformis was used as liquid biofertiliser at concentrations of 50 and 10% of both algae. Sterilized Vigna seeds were soaked in the extracts for two days. Seeds were sown in sterilized soil and the germination percentage as well as shoot and root lengths were recorded for developing seedlings. The results showed that there was a significant increase in seed germination rate compared to control. Similarly, there was a significant increment in the length of root and root system compared to control with the 50% aqueous extract concentration being highest in growth parameters for brown alga followed by blue-green alga possibly due to the presence of growth stimulants in these extracts.

Multiplex and quantitative PCR targeting SCAR markers for strain-level detection and quantification of biofertilizers.

Biofertilizers are the eco-friendly bio-input being used to sustain the agriculture by reducing the chemical inputs and improving the soil health. Quality is the major concern of biofertilizer technology which often leads to poor performance in the field and thereby loses the farmers' faith. To authenticate the strain as well as its presumed cell load of a commercial product, sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers were developed for three biofertilizer strains viz., Azospirillum brasilense (Sp7), Bacillus megaterium (Pb1) and Azotobacter chroococcum (Ac1). We evaluated the feasibility of multiplex-PCR and quantitative real-time PCR for SCAR marker-based quality assessment of the product as well as the persistence of the strains during crop growth. We showed that multiplex PCR can concurrently discriminate the strains based on the amplicons' size and detects up to 104 cells per g or per ml of carrier-based or liquid formulation of biofertilizer, respectively. The detection limit of quantitative PCR targeting SCAR markers is 103 cells per g or ml of biofertilizer. Both the PCR methods detected and quantified them in the maize rhizosphere. Hence SCAR marker-based quality assessment would be a sensitive tool to monitor the biofertilizer production as well as its persistence in the inoculated crop rhizosphere.

Integrated Use of Maize Bran Residue for One-Step Phosphate Bio-Fertilizer Production.

The development of bio-fertilizer inoculants is important and desirable. Two phosphate-solubilizing Bacillus subtilis strains were inoculated onto maize bran residue (MBR), which was used as bio-fertilizer carrier and a primary source of nutrients in a medium used for semi-solid fermentation. Water holding capacity, swelling capacity, scanning electron microscopy, and shelf-life assays demonstrated that ground MBR had satisfactory properties for a bio-fertilizer carrier. The maximal soluble phosphorus (P) reached 642.7 ± 0.43mgl-1 in an orthogonal test under the following optimal conditions: a pH of 7.0, a cultivation temperature of 31°C, a medium water content of 160%, and a filling capacity of 500gl-1. The bio-fertilizer produced by MBR improved the growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa pekinensis) with respect to plant height (by up to 18.36%) and the lengths of roots (by up to 34.03%, 27.22%, separately) in a pot experiment. This study integrated the production and storage of a bio-fertilizer to realize the one-step production of a solid bio-fertilizer using MBR.

Use of Date Palm Leaves with Some Animal feces For Microbial Activity for Biofertilizer production

Use of Date Palm Leaves with Some Animal feces For Microbial Activity for Biofertilizer production

Improved soil and tomato quality by some biofertilizer products

The use of microbial inoculums is a part of sustainable agricultural practices. Among various bioeffectors, the phosphorus-mobilizing bacteria are frequently used.
 The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of some industrial biofertilizer inoculums, of containing P-mobilizing bacteria on the quantity and some quality parameters of tomato fruits. Spore-forming industrial Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 (Rhizovital) as single inoculums and combinations with other Bacillus strains (Biorex) were applied on Solanum lycopersicon Mill. var. Mobil test plant. Soil microbial counts, phosphorus availability, yield and fruit quality, such as total soluble solids (TSS) content and sugars (glucose, fructose) were assessed. The results found that single industrial inoculums of FZB42 product had positive effect on P-availability and fruit quality in the pots. Fruit quality parameters, TSS content, soluble sugars were significantly improved (p<0.05). Such better fruit taste was correlated significantly by the most probable number (MPN) microbial counts. Use of such bioeffector products is supported by the positive interrelation among measured soil characteristics and inside healthy quality parameters of tomato fruits.